Wow - that seems more traditional to me. Henrybuilt, who is very contempary, uses 2cm (about 3/4") in all their countertop applications. I think 1.5" (3cm) is pretty standard actually.

I've included a link to some pics of henrybuilt kitchens with 2cm (3/4") countertops.....

Here is a link that might be useful: examples of 2cm counters

Are you talking about the thickness of the counter itself or the ledge in front (which can make the counter look thicker)? We are getting a 2 1/2 inch mitred edge in front so the counter will look very thick. In fact all they do is put more support under the counter itself to to bump it up.

leslie - standard slabs come in 2cm or 3cm thickness, which roughly translates into 3/4" and 1 1/4" thick. There are some 5cm thick slabs, which usually do look more modern, especially with a straight edge. If you already selected your faucet, check its specs to make sure it can be installed into an extra thick counter without additional parts.

thanks all for the countertop info. I'm not too well schooled yet on contertops. smbh, I think I'm talking about the thickness of the counter itself.
I've tried to put a link here to the Kraftmaid site where there is a pict of a Contemporary and Dynamic kitchen on the far right. The white countertops look extra thick to me on top of cherry cabinets. There is a kind of bench with white cushions around it. That is the thickness I'm talking about but don't know how to articulate it. Any ideas?

https://www.kraftmaid.com/browseby/designstyle/cabinets/default.aspx

I think that's just the ledge and it's an illusion but I could be wrong.

I know the contemporary look you're going for. Usually it's a ledge -- the cost of material for a countertop fully that thick would be prohibitive. I'm not sure how it is done. Is it mitered with the seam on the upper edge, or is the ledge adhered underneath the main countertop?

Do consider Corian or one of the other solid surfaces -- those are thee only truly seamless surfaces available, and I think they lend themselves well to this type of application. And if you are going with a white, you can get the integrated sink and complete the clean look.